Is Angela here? Can I speak to Angela?
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Simple questions like these may help a pub patron get out of an uncomfortable situation with a stranger.
The safety campaign Ask for Angela, where people use this name cue to seek assistance from venue staff, is about to begin in Albury.
NSW Minister for Racing Paul Toole launched the initiative on Wednesday and congratulated Albury Liquor Accord for making it available to more than 50 venues.
“They want people to go out, they want people to feel safe and this is another innovation and another step they’re undertaking,” Mr Toole said.
Albury is the third NSW accord after Wagga and Manning Valley to take up Ask for Angela.
The concept is spreading around the world, especially in response to the growing popularity of dating app Tinder.
Once venue staff are asked for Angela, they can offer support such as helping a patron leave the premises without attracting attention, calling a taxi or, if necessary, the police.
Albury Liquor Accord chairman Stephen Jones said members agreed unanimously to the campaign, with radio ads to run from Friday.
“All of us have seen instances where people have been out on dates and been uncomfortable so we’ve decided to adopt it,” Mr Jones said.
“There’s probably not a huge need but all we need is to do one right to save a lot of heartache. We try to give them a way out that’s discreet and quiet and no fuss.”
Beer DeLuxe licensee Bart Furst supported the scheme.
“We get a lot of that young crowd, Tinder dates are lifting up, so whatever can keep people safe is a good thing,” he said.
Mr Furst said staff members also recognised Ask for Angela’s importance.
“They live in that society too,” he said.
“Whatever gives them tools to be able help our patrons is a good thing for us.”
Sergeant Steve McCaig, of Albury, said Ask for Angela could reduce the chances of a situation getting out of hand and requiring a police presence.
“It can escalate quite quickly and it can be de-escalated quite quickly with something like this,” he said.
“It just gives them that extra option to say ‘I want to get out of here’ and be supported by the hotels or clubs.”
Mr Toole also visited Albury Racing Club on Wednesday.
